fiat

American  

[fee-aht, -at, fahy-uht, -at] / ˈfi ɑt, -æt, ˈfaɪ ət, -æt /

noun

1. an authoritative decree, sanction, or order.

   a royal fiat.

   Synonyms:

   ukase, diktat, mandate, ruling, directive, authorization

2. a fixed form of words containing the word fiat, by which a person in authority gives sanction, or authorization.

3. an arbitrary decree or pronouncement, especially by a person or group of persons having absolute authority to enforce it.

   The king ruled by fiat.

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fiat British  

/ ˈfaɪət, -æt /

noun

1. official sanction; authoritative permission

2. an arbitrary order or decree

3. literary any command, decision, or act of will that brings something about

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Etymology

Origin of fiat

First recorded in 1625–35; from Latin: “let it be done,” 3rd-person singular present subjunctive of fierī “to become”

Example Sentences

Wars are financed by borrowing and printing money which devalues debt and fiat currency.

From MarketWatch

Their price is meant to be fixed to a fiat currency, typically the U.S. dollar.

From The Wall Street Journal

Most people who talk about alternative currencies are referring to alternative fiat currencies, like the euro, yen, and renminbi.

From Barron's

Most people who talk about alternative currencies are referring to alternative fiat currencies, like the euro, yen, and renminbi.

From Barron's

Investors across major economies are increasingly concerned about stressed global economic conditions and fiat currencies.

From The Wall Street Journal